100 Years and Counting: Simsbury Historical Society Celebrates

It isn’t every day that a 100th 'birthday' happens.The Simsbury Historical Society wanted to commemorate its 100^th year by hosting a town-wide party and did just that, inviting one and all to partake in reflecting back on times long ago, while making new memories.

The Centennial Celebration drew many to the town’s center to witness live performances featuring SHS Players as historical characters in Phelps Tavern, a classroom lesson as taught in a 1790’s schoolhouse and day–long performances by a variety of music styles from solo to band musicians, including the 18^th Connecticut Regiment, Ancient Fyfe & Drum Corps, Marquis of Granby, Hartt Jazz 5, Dan Campolieta and On Tap.

Mark Brady manned the firing of a 400-pound cannon on the hour. With each impending boom, Brady alerted the crowd bellowing out loudly, “Fire in the hole!” 

The cannon was among many weapons that were used during the American Revolution. Muskets and swords were on display and youngsters were delighted with the opportunity to try on hand-stitched uniforms and elaborate headgear. Curiosity seekers and those interested in history were able to listen in on tales of the King’s Own 4^th Regiment.  Sayings like ‘flash in the pan’ and ‘half-cocked’ actually originated during this time. ‘Flash in the pan’ referred to an attempt to fire a musket where the gunpowder would flare up but the bullet would not fire. The saying ‘half-cocked’ referred to when a firearm’s striker mechanism was set to a safe state but fired accidently.

Jackie Howes, a former teacher, acted the part of schoolmarm in the ca. 1790 School House. The one-room building was originally located on Tariffville Road near the present Old Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Bloomfield. Approximately 15 children ranging in age 5 to 15 would attend school together. The building was modified in 1826 and continued to serve as a schoolhouse until 1933 when it was converted into a single family home. The Simsbury Historical Society acquired the building and moved it to its present location in 1970.

Members of Simsbury Open Studios were on hand showing different painting techniques. Using a sepia-toned 8x10 photograph as the source for her subject, Jacqueline Jakubowski described the method she was using as grisaille. “While the work is done with only one color, the technique employs various shades of that tone and shows details in a range of shadows and highlights,” said Jakubowski. “The aim of Simsbury Open Studios group is to help educate people about art and the creative process.”

A $5 fee bought the chance to taste test and judge the Simsbury Chili Cook-off for coveted bragging rights to “Best Chili in Town” which was won by Fitzgerald’s Supermarket. Proceeds from the contest went to the Simsbury Historical Society. The warm and tasty chili was perfect during the afternoon, particularly when the sky clouded over and rain tested the festivities. Luckily the showers were brief and didn’t last long.

Crafts kept the kids non-stop busy with cornhusk doll making, face-paintings, stilt walking, digging for prizes buried in a hay pile, art games, guessing the number of candy pumpkins, and letter writings for a time capsule to be opened in 100 years.

Two gorgeous antique automobiles showed off the workmanship of days gone by in a 1927 Rolls-Royce all-weather four-door and a 1925 Rolls-Royce roadster. The Simsbury Volunteer Fire Department had its 1935 International fire pumper on hand too, and the truck was noticeably smaller in size than the trucks used today.

With so many things to explore, Simsbury Historical Society showed history is both fun and educational. Check the link for upcoming events.